Are you looking to add a little extra festive magic to Christmas this year? Luckily, there’s plenty of places in Northamptonshire where you can meet Father Christmas to give your little ones memories they’ll never forget.
Whether you’re just looking for a Santa’s Grotto visit or a winter wonderland day out, here’s our top picks for 2024:
Lamport Hall
Lamport Hall is always a popular visit, and for good reason!
After meeting Santa and receiving their special gift, the elves will help your little ones play snowball skittles and have a sweet treat. They can then head to the Old Dairy where they take part in crafts, including writing a letter to Santa and making reindeer food.
Adults also aren’t forgotten – whilst you’re waiting for your children to line up, you can warm up with your complimentary hot drink and mince pie. The fair is also open during your visit, where you can find food stalls, a tombola, a choir performance and much more.
Book for the weekends of the 30th/1st and 7th/8th for £20 here.
Chester House
Chester House always pushes the boat out when it comes to Christmas activities, and this year is no different. Alongside Santa’s Grotto, you can expect Christmas card making, a hot chocolate station, reindeer food making, and much more.
Why not finish off the day by booking a festive afternoon tea?
Tickets are £20 per child with accompanying adults free. Available on various dates from November 23rd to December 24th.
Reboot Community Hub
The Christmas season can be expensive for many, and Reboot Community Hub recognise this. They’re holding a free Santa’s Grotto on the 11th and 12th December at Reboot Community Hub (Formerly Driftwood Vintage) – 119 Cecil Road, Northampton, NN2 6PG.
See the light display, write and post your letter to Santa and then meet him and get a free gift. Whilst the event is free, food donations for the local food bank are encouraged.
RSVP on their Facebook event here.
Grosvenor Centre
Launching on Saturday, November 23, the grotto – which can be found opposite Charlie Brown’s menswear on the Upper Mall – will then be open from 10.30am to 4pm every weekend until Christmas, plus a ‘last-chance’ session on Monday, December 23.
Families can book in for just £1, with all proceeds going to charity.
Whilton Locks
Santa’s Grotto, ice-skating and a hot chocolate – sound like the perfect combination for your family? Visit Whilton Locks.
Tickets for the grotto are £19.99 for a child (which includes a premium gift), and £3.50 for an accompanying adult.
Have a special furry friend at home? Whilton Locks are also running ’Santa Paws’, a Santa’s Grotto but for dogs. Tickets are £10 each but be quick – it’s only running for two weekends in December.
Delapré Abbey
Between the 29th November and the 22nd December, Santa will be making an appearance at Delapré every weekend. Meet him, receive a gift and take pictures to ensure the memories last forever.
Entry is half-hourly timed and is between 10am and 6pm. Alongside meeting Father Christmas, there’s also bauble biscuit decorating and crafts to get involved with!
Tickets are £15 per child or £13.50 for annual pass holders (adult entry is free).
Mini Meadows
If you’re looking for something a little bit extra on top of your normal Santa visit, Mini Meadows might be the option for you.
When you first arrive and find yourself wandering through Elf Kingdom, you can gather a delightful assortment of sweets from the enchanting sweet shop. You’ll then get to experience their one-hour walkthrough experience, followed by writing a letter to Father Christmas before joining the elves to make reindeer food.
After all of that you’ll then get to the highlight of the experience – visiting Santa Claus’ cosy workshop and choosing the perfect toy to take home.
Tickets are £29.50 for a child and £14.50 for an adult – get them here.
Riverside Hub
Christmas at the Hub is well underway, with a jam-packed 2.5 hour experience full of Christmas activities.
From meeting Father Christmas in his grotto to decorating your own gingerbread man to their Christmas trail, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied.
Tickets start at £28 and rise to £34 depending on how close to the 25th you book.
